Since 1945, we have served as the local fire department, as first responders, mutual aid partners and as active members of our community. We are an independent fire department. Which means, that unlike most of the fire companies in the State of New Jersey, we are not a service provided by the Municipality or a Fire District. Our fire department is privately owned by its membership as a not for pro
fit corporation (as defined by 26 USC § 501(c)). SO, what all that means is, we run our fire department as a business. AND, just like any other business, we have to meet our expenses to stay in business. Things like buying fuel, insurance, tools, vehicles, repairs, licenses fees and... well, you get the picture... it’s all our responsibility. BUT, unlike most businesses, we do not charge for the services we provide, and we don't have any goods to sell. So, all the money we need to stay in business has to come from donations, fund raising activities, grants and any other public funding source we qualify for. So, yes, being independent does make it a lot tougher for us to do our business and make ends meet, but we take pride in the services we provide be one of the dwindling number of independent fire departments in this state. In addition to being the only fire department in the Township of Oxford, we share first due responsibilities with Mountain Lake Fire Company (Liberty Twp.) and Good Will Fire Company (Town of Belvidere) to provide fire protective services to White Township. We maintain mutual aid agreements with our surrounding municipalities and are part of the county's Tanker Task force. Active Membership in the department is open to anyone who is a citizen of the United States, can perform the duties of a firefighter, is at least 18 years old and lives within 2 miles of the department's fire protection area. The department also maintains a Junior Firefighter program that is open to youth between the ages of 14 and 18. Corporate business meetings are held at the firehouse on the first Monday of the month at 7:00 PM The remaining Mondays of each month are regular drill nights.
